Expert: Martin Hoover - 5/31/2008

Question
Our Board considered this option pre season and decided to stay with "property" teams as many of the directors are new and needed more time to evaluate the system and situation.  As we move through the season, it is becoming apparent to many that change in some form is necessary.  I am wondering if anyone can give me a clear cut reason why property teams are in the best interest of the players.  Little League is supposed to be about the children, correct?  So far, the reasons I have been given against a redraft are all about the coaches- they are "grooming" players for certain positions, they don't want to break up their teams. In the best interest of the children involved- what are the reasons for not re-drafting?

Answer
Kathleen,

My league uses property teams.  Here are the benefits that we have noticed:

First and foremost, kids who are drafted to a property team usually play with that team for 2-4 years.  They develop close, personal friendships with teammates and coaches.

The one we hear from parents is the money issue.  Imagine a player who is 9, who plays four years in Majors.  He plays on the Reds, the Dodgers, the White Sox, and then the Brewers.  They now have to buy different color socks, different sweaters and jackets, etc.

Property teams allow kids to develop lifelong friendships that will last them the rest of their lives.  I played one year in Majors as a 12 year old, on the Giants.  I am now 23, and I still am recognized as a Giant.

As for redrafting, I have noticed that it works for smaller leagues.  I’ve noticed larger leagues try to redraft every year, and it seem difficult.  However, there is a small league in my area (about 150-200 kids on a good year), and they have no problem with the redrafting.  With my league (over 480 kids), I just couldn't picture trying to redraft every year.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover